Darkness on the Edge of Town

Bruce Springsteen | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: 1978
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000025D0
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (137 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #3,497 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

  #36 in

  Music > Rock > Singer-Songwriters

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

The pain of a protracted legal battle with his former manager and the release of being allowed to record again after a three-year layoff are equally apparent from the piercing hard rock and harsh lyrical content of Darkness on the Edge of Town. Betrayal and hard work that comes to naught are the primary subjects on his mind here, evidenced by songs such as "Adam Raised a Cain," "Factory," and "Streets of Fire." Elsewhere, there are signs of hope or at least the possibility of outrunning your problems ("Racing in the Street," "The Promised Land," "Prove It All Night"). But mostly, these are songs about exorcising some serious demons, and from the sound of things, Springsteen's loud, lonesome howl and blistering guitar work went a long way toward making him whole again. This is angry art, made by someone pushed to his absolute limit and more than ready to push back. --Daniel Durchholz

Product Description

Import exclusive two-disc set combines Bruce's 1978 album Darkness On The Edge Of Town with his1982 album Nebraska. Two standard jewel cases housed in a slip case. Sony/BMG. 2005. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bruce's "Revolver", February 3, 2004

By	A.L.V. "geezowhiz" (from your friendly neighborhood 500) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Darkness on the Edge of Town (Audio CD)

Forget "Born to Run". Forget "Born In the USA". Forget it all for a little while. "Darkness on the Edge of Town" stands alone as Bruce's truly defining album. It is his first foray into the dark side of life. It is the place where the characters in "BTR" ended up--a roadblock on Bruce's long highway. His optimism has waned and his perspective is bleak. Bruce is no longer lookiing through the eyes of a teenage rebel with a dream.

Despite the legal battles behind the scenes of this album that were quite the catalyst for his descent into darkness, it seems like it was the only logical way to go after embarking on the hopeful escapes in his first three albums. It was the natural progression of his maturity into the music. I would be so bold to say that without this record, Bruce Springsteen may have never reached the heights that this newfound lease on life provided him.

But...enough with my take on the importance of "Darkness...". The songs speak for themselves on this record. I think the best track is "The Promised Land" because it is like the workingman's anthem, so to speak. It is Bruce declaring that even though he is living a desolate, machine-like existence just to get by in the cruel world, he still holds on to the dreams of the promised land. Another favorite of mine on the album is the title track. His passion in this particular song you can feel in your veins...literally.

But...the showstopper track has to be "Racing in the Street." When I first heard this heartwrenching masterpiece, it gave me chills. I do believe that it is probably the most painfully beautiful song I have ever heard. The reality of it will floor you alone.

Overall, the anguish of Bruce on this record can be heard in every track. From the understated cynicism, to his angered and wounded cries and shrieks, this record is a MUST OWN.

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A searing rock and roll release, December 17, 1999

By	Marc Axelrod (Potter, Wi USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Darkness on the Edge of Town (Audio CD)

I had a lot of anger toward my family at the time I was listening to this album, and it helped me to find expression to what I was feeling. Especially songs like "Adam Raised a Cain," "Badlands," "Darkness on the Edge of Town," and "Streets of Fire." Springsteen's music reflects the sense of anger (check out the searing guitar work on "Adam Raised a Cain" and "Streets of Fire"), but the album also has the same hopeful optimism that eventually, things are gonna work out right. This comes through particularly well on "The Promised Land," and "Badlands." It's not your typical Springsteen album - he's never rocked this hard before or since - but it's a great statement of fiery determination.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Boss's Best., March 1, 2005

By	N_Joy (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Darkness on the Edge of Town (Audio CD)

This is one of the most powerful albums I have ever heard. I didn't get Bruce in younger days. Back in the 80's I was only interested in heavy metal and it wasn't until my early twentys when I began to expand my musical horizons that I understood the Boss. These songs take on a whole nother meaning now. A couple of years ago I remember making my hour long trip to work where I supervised a department that due to layoffs was overworked and I was catching heat for the work not getting done from corporate and worried about getting laid off myself. (It was a lot like the movie Office Space) I felt like I was fighting a losing battle and Badlands and Promised Land literally gave me the strength to go into the building. Sounds corny but listening to this CD was like a religous experience. Even though there is uncertainty and darkness in these songs there is still a sense of hope. Thanks for the inspiration Bruce.